April 14, 2014

Ellis wins conference weekly award

DALLAS -- Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis was named Monday by the NBA as the Western Conference Player of the Week for his performances last week, the league announced in a press release.

In three games last week Ellis averaged 25.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per contest. He also shot 51.6 percent from the field and converted 4-of-9 baskets from 3-point territory.

'"We've asked a lot of him this year,'' coach Rick Carlisle said. "I think it's been a more demanding year than he's ever had on any in terms of what we've asked him to do, in terms of conditioning, weight lifting, strength training.

"We’ve got these guys doing yoga. I mean, you name it. He’s never been through all this stuff and we’re coaching him hard on offense and on defense, and he’s held the line.''

Ellis' award comes on the heels of forward Dirk Nowitzki winning the Western Conference Player of the Week award last week. It marks the first time in Mavs history that two teammates have won this award in back-to-back weeks.